Ask most gamers who were around for the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share fond memories of their gaming experiences. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stands out as a cherished title for many, including myself. During my time at Official Xbox Magazine, I found that while the successful port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Xbox didn't captivate me, Oblivion did so from the start. Originally slated to be a launch title for the Xbox 360, Oblivion captured our attention well before its release. We featured it in multiple cover stories, with the screenshots alone leaving us in awe. I eagerly participated in every trip to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.
When it came time to review Oblivion, during an era when exclusive reviews were the norm, I jumped at the opportunity. I spent four glorious days immersed in a conference room at Bethesda's basement, dedicating nearly every waking moment to exploring the vast, medieval fantasy world of Cyrodiil. By the time I boarded my return flight, I had logged 44 hours of gameplay before writing OXM's 9.5 out of 10 review, a score I still stand by today. Oblivion was an incredible game, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden surprises such as the elusive unicorn, and much more. Playing on a submission build at Bethesda, I had to start over upon receiving my retail copy, into which I poured another 130 hours without hesitation. So, it's no surprise that I'm thrilled about its remastered and re-released version on modern platforms.
For the younger generation of gamers who grew up with Skyrim, the newly released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's initial release over 13 years ago. While fans of all ages eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, expected in another 4-5 years, I'm envious of those who will experience Oblivion for the first time.
However, I must admit that Oblivion might not have the same impact on today's gamers as it did for me back in March 2006. As a game now two decades old, it's been surpassed by subsequent titles like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, all from Bethesda. Additionally, the visual impact that set Oblivion apart in 2006, marking it as a true next-gen title for the HD era, may not be as pronounced today. While the remaster undoubtedly looks better than the original, it doesn't stand out as revolutionary compared to current games. Unlike a full remake, such as Resident Evil, which aims to look as good or better than modern titles, a remaster seeks to bring an older game up to date for current platforms.
My memories of Oblivion are abundant, filled with countless discoveries and activities. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it until you've explored all side quests and open-world activities. The reason is that once you begin the main questline, Oblivion gates will start spawning, which can become a nuisance. It's best to tackle them early on.
The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental, a leap that might not be replicated in the future. While The Elder Scrolls 6 might bring significant advancements if we wait long enough, playing Oblivion Remastered won't feel as starkly different from Skyrim as the original did for me. Nonetheless, whether you're playing Oblivion for the first time or have spent hundreds of hours in it, its fully realized medieval fantasy world, filled with surprises and adventures, remains my favorite Elder Scrolls game. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its release was anticipated well in advance.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots
View 6 Images
